Workers' comp in Georgia isn't one-size-fits-all. Your premium depends on your industry, payroll size, and claims history. But if you're wondering what to expect, we've got you covered with a breakdown of average rates by industry.
Georgia’s Workers’ Comp Rates
How to calculate your Workers' Comp Costs in Georgia
Use this simple formula to get an estimate:
Annual employee payroll divided by $100 x industry rate = your premium
Each industry in Georgia is assigned a specific class code with an accompanying rate by the state.
Begin by finding your class code and rate. Once you have your industry’s rate, calculate your company’s annual gross projected payroll, divide that number by $100, and then multiply by your industry rate.
Kickstand Example:
Let's say you operate a restaurant in Georgia and employ 7 staff members with a combined annual payroll of $215,00. To estimate your workers' comp costs, you would first divide the total payroll by $100 to get 2,150. Next, multiply this number by Georgia’s restaurant rate of $1.19. This calculation (2,150 x $1.19) gives you an estimated annual premium of $2,560.
Who sets Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Rates?
Workers’ compensation insurance rates in Georgia are set by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). Rates are based on the level of risk for each job type and are reviewed annually using real claims data from across the state.
For example, clerical staff—one of the lowest-risk groups—are assigned a rate of $0.81 per $100 of payroll. So if a clerical worker earns $40,000 annually, the Georgia workers’ comp premium would be approximately $324 per year.
Property managers face moderate risk. With a rate of $2.07 per $100 of payroll, a property manager earning $58,000 would generate a premium of about $1,201.
Roofers, who work in one of the most hazardous environments, carry a much higher rate—$7.23 per $100 of payroll. For a roofer earning $42,000 annually, that works out to around $3,036 in annual premium.
Tips to lower your Workers’ Comp Premium in Georgia
Looking to reduce your workers’ comp costs?
These steps can make a big difference:
Build a Culture of Safety: Fewer accidents on the job can help reduce your experience modification rate (Ex-Mod), which directly impacts your premium.
Report Payroll Accurately: Estimating too high or too low can lead to billing issues at audit time. Keeping payroll records up to date keeps costs predictable.
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Implement a Return-to-Work Policy: Bringing employees back in a light-duty role helps control claims costs and keeps your business running smoothly.
Check your Classifications: Employees should be matched to the correct class code. Misclassifications can result in overpaying.
Secure Coverage with Kickstand Insurance
If you’re a business owner in Georgia, now is a great time to review your workers’ comp policy. Whether you're a new business or switching providers, Kickstand Insurance can help you find the right policy fast.
We specialize in helping small businesses get covered quickly, affordably, and correctly—so there are no surprises at audit time.
Get your quote now and find out how much you can save.
Note: The rates listed above have been provided by one of our partner insurance carriers, and were accurate at the time of publishing and for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect actual current rates for workers' compensation insurance in Georgia at this time. Various factors, such as claim history and business experience can affect the rate as well. Business owners should consult with an insurance agent or the NCCI for accurate and up-to-date rate information.
Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or insurance advice. Laws and regulations regarding workers' compensation insurance are complex and vary by state and by specific circumstances. Therefore, readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified legal or insurance professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem they might have.
Mordechai Kamenetsky, co-founder and lead agent of Kickstand, is recognized as an expert in workers' compensation. He is passionate about helping small businesses manage risks and lower their workers' comp costs. In his articles, he educates readers and clients on the intricacies of workers' comp insurance.
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